Joining Their Journey

If you answered yes to two or more questions below then you might be at risk for a fall.

Are you alone several hours of the day or night?

In the past year have you fallen or have been afraid of falling in your own home?

Have you been hospitalized or been to an emergency room in the last year?

Do you have one of the following chronic ailments: heart disease, stroke, COPD, osteoporosis, diabetes or arthritis?

Do you use a cane or walker, wheelchair, stair climber, or other assistive device to help with balance or walking?

Are you required to take several daily medications?

Do you need assistance with one of the following activities: bathing, toiling, dressing, meal preparation or housekeeping?

Falls in the home can occur in bathrooms, bedrooms and on stairs. The following checklist is designed to help anyone who has mobilization issues in the home, whether it be from hip surgery, knee surgery, car accident or has that fall potential. Mobility and fall issues have no boundaries when it comes to age, anyone can fall.

1) Paint the edges of outdoor steps and steps that are especially narrow or are higher of lower than the rest a bright color.

2) Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint for better traction.

3) Clear snow and ice from entrances and walkways.

4) Inside your home, remove all extraneous clutter.

5) Keep telephone and electrical cords out of pathways.

6) Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring so they lie flat. Remove or replace rugs or runners that tend to slip or attach nonslip backing.

7) Do not stand on a chair to reach things. Store frequently used objects where you can reach them easily.

Have a lamp or light switch that can easily be reached without getting out of bed.

9) Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

10) Keep a flashlight handy.

11) Have light switches at both ends of stairs and halls. Install handrails on both sides of stairs.

12) Add grab bars in shower, tub and toilet area.

13) Use nonslip adhesive in shower or tub.

14) Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower.

15) Consider using an elevated toilet seat.

16) Use helping devices such as canes or walker as directed by your health care provider.

17) Wear nonslip, low healed shoes or slippers that fit snugly. Avoid walking around in stocking feet.

18) Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs, including over the counter drugs, can make you drowsy, dizzy or unsteady.

19) Discuss safe amounts of alcohol intake with your physician.

20) Have your hearing and eyesight tested. Inner ear problems can affect your balance. Vision problems make it difficult to see potential hazards.

21) Exercise regularity to improve muscle flexibility, strength and balance. Talk to your healthcare professional about exercise programs that are right for you.

22) If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit down or stay seated until your head clears. Stand up slowly to avoid unsteadiness.

23) Drink plenty of water, dehydration can cause you to become unsteady, cause urinary tract infections and can affect your mental state in turn causing you to fall.

24) Consider asking your health care professional for a prescription for Physical or Occupational services. Regency on Whidbey has its own in-house therapy department which strives to optimize wellness and enhance the lifestyles of seniors on Whidbey Island. (You do not need to be a resident here to take advantage of our therapy department.)

Enjoy your week and be safe!

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

Voted #1 in the 2010 Best of Whidbey for Best Retirement Center-Thank you to everyone for voting for us!